🌿 Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan (Crispy, Light & Ready in Minutes!)
When you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying side dish, this Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is your go-to solution. It’s light, flavorful, and so easy to make — plus, it’s ready in under 15 minutes! With crispy edges, tender centers, and a garlicky Parmesan coating, even picky eaters will be coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this zucchini side dish will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get into it!
🥒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Here’s everything you need to make this easy veggie side dish:
3 medium zucchini (about 4 cups), cubed
Spray olive oil (or 1 tablespoon regular olive oil)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped parsley for garnish
🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Wash and dry your zucchini. Slice off the ends, then cube them into bite-sized pieces — about ¾-inch thick for even cooking.
Step 2: Season
Place the zucchini cubes in a large bowl. Spray lightly with olive oil (or drizzle if not using spray). Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the seasoned zucchini to the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your fryer).
Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the zucchini is golden brown and tender with crispy edges.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the air fryer and, if desired, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve immediately while hot and crisp!
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Zucchini
Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes start to finish
Healthy – Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, and the air fryer cuts down on oil
Delicious Texture – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
Versatile Side – Perfect with chicken, fish, pasta, or as a healthy snack
💡 Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Zucchini contains a lot of water, so give each piece room to breathe. This ensures crispiness instead of steaming.
✅ Use Fresh Parmesan
Grating your Parmesan right before using it gives a nuttier, more flavorful finish than pre-shredded varieties.
✅ Cube Evenly
Uniformly sized pieces cook more evenly. Aim for chunks around ¾ inch thick.
✅ Adjust Timing
Every air fryer is a little different. Start checking around 8 minutes — you want them tender but still holding their shape.
🔄 Substitutions and Add-Ons
Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun variations on this air fryer zucchini:
Add Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier bite, mix in 2 tablespoons of seasoned panko with the Parmesan.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
Different Cheeses: Try Asiago, Romano, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
🥗 What to Serve with Air Fryer Zucchini
This air fryer zucchini side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. Try serving it alongside:
Grilled Chicken or Steak
Spaghetti or Pasta Alfredo
Baked Salmon or Tilapia
Turkey Burgers or Veggie Burgers
Roasted Potatoes and a Green Salad
You can also toss leftovers into pasta, on top of grain bowls, or eat them cold as a snack the next day!
🧊 How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to keep them tasty:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended — zucchini gets soggy when frozen and thawed.
Reheat: Pop leftovers back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp them up again.
🍽 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~90
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Values are approximate and based on 4 servings.
🧡 Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Love Your Veggies
If you’ve been looking for a simple way to eat more vegetables without sacrificing flavor or time, this Air Fryer Zucchini with Parmesan is the perfect answer. It’s so tasty and convenient that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Serve it with dinner, pack it in lunches, or snack on it between meals — any way you slice it, this recipe is a win!